The Municipal Shopping Complex near the Beerwah bus stand suffered significant damage, while several shops were either inundated or washed away.
The floods also damaged public infrastructure, with officials reporting breaches in embankments along the Sukhnag.
The Sukhnag diversion at Beerwah was washed away, while a newly constructed bridge sustained structural damage due to the force of the floodwaters.
He also cautioned people against gathering near water bodies out of curiosity, saying such actions could endanger lives.
Residents have meanwhile demanded immediate restoration of damaged infrastructure and long-term flood mitigation measures to protect vulnerable downstream areas.
Advertisment
The deceased was identified as Shabir Ahmad Poswal of Drang in Khag, who was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded nallah, officials said.
The local rainfall monitoring station at Beerwah recorded 38 mm of precipitation, while rainfall in the upper catchment around TosaMaidan, the source of the Sukhnag River, was estimated to have crossed 100 mm, resulting in a sudden surge in the river’s water level.
According to observations by the Meteorological Department, a prolonged spell of intense rainfall developed over the TosaMaidan catchment during the late afternoon, generating heavy runoff and causing the Sukhnag River to swell rapidly, triggering flash floods downstream.
Advertisment
The Sukhnag flows through several villages, including Arizal, Zanigam, Sail, Beerwah, Rathsun, Makhama, Kawoosa, and Narbal, leaving these areas vulnerable to sudden flooding following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment.
Beerwah bore the brunt of the flooding as overflowing waters inundated residential and commercial areas.
The Municipal Shopping Complex near the Beerwah bus stand suffered significant damage, while several shops were either inundated or washed away.
Advertisment
Traders were seen rushing to salvage their merchandise as floodwaters entered their establishments.
The floods also damaged public infrastructure, with officials reporting breaches in embankments along the Sukhnag.
The Sukhnag diversion at Beerwah was washed away, while a newly constructed bridge sustained structural damage due to the force of the floodwaters.
Although the river receded by nearly three feet later in the day, officials said the unusually rapid rise in water levels pointed to the possibility of a cloudburst or an extremely intense, localised rainfall event over the upper catchment.
The administration was assessing the situation and the extent of losses, officials said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Aamir Khan visited several flood-prone areas of Beerwah and Narbal to assess the situation following incessant rainfall and rising water levels in the Sukhnag and its tributaries.
Advertisment
During the visit, the DC reviewed the situation in main town Beerwah, Hanjigund, Makhama, Chewdara, Kanihama, Malpur, Sanoor, Narbal, and Mazhama, and took stock of preparedness and response measures.
He directed that all rescue and emergency response teams, including Police, SDRF, Civil Defence, Fire and Emergency Services, and other line departments remain on high alert and ready for immediate deployment.
He also instructed officers to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of nallahs, drains, and other vulnerable locations and remain prepared to respond to any eventuality.
The DC said SHOs, field officers and rescue teams were on the ground, continuously monitoring the situation and advising residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate wherever necessary as a precautionary measure.
Appealing to people to cooperate with the administration, Khan urged residents to stay indoors unless necessary and strictly avoid venturing near nallahs, embankments, breached spots and other flood-prone areas.
He also cautioned people against gathering near water bodies out of curiosity, saying such actions could endanger lives.
Advertisment
Residents living near nallahs and other vulnerable locations were advised to comply with evacuation directions issued by police or the local administration and move to safer places until the situation improves.
The DC said the district administration was maintaining constant vigil, with all departments working in close coordination to safeguard lives and property.
Residents have meanwhile demanded immediate restoration of damaged infrastructure and long-term flood mitigation measures to protect vulnerable downstream areas.
ADDC BudgamVivek Agarwal, ADC BudgamTaufeeq Ahmad Gazi, senior engineers of various departments, concerned tehsildars and other officers accompanied the DC during the visit.
